Role of Pathya-Apathya in the management of Prameha (Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus)

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is one among the metabolic disease caused by environmental factors such as obesity, unsatisfactory diet, sedentary lifestyle, increasing urbanisation and economic development as well as genetic factors, which is characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance or relative insulin deficiency. According to WHO about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes and In India, there are estimated 77 million people above the age of 18 years are suffering from diabetes (type 2). In Ayurveda it can be correlated to Prameha by its clinical manifestation, which is caused due to Kapha Vardhaka Ahara and Vihara leading to vitiation of Meda, Mamsa and Kleda further leading to manifestation of Prameha. Materials and Methods: In this article with the support of both Ayurvedic and modern literature the information about the role of Pathya Sevana and avoiding Apathya Ahara Vihara in Prameha is dealt. Result: Prameha occurs by derangement of Kapha Pradhana Tridosha and Dasha Dushya where as in Sthula Pramehi the dominance of Kapha Meda Kleda Dushti has occurred so there needs application of Chikitsasutra mentioned by Acharya Sushruta says -  स्थूलम अपतर्पनयुक्ताभि:| Apatarpana Chikitsa  along with Pathya Sevana and avoiding Apathya Ahara and Vihara. Discussion: The majority of the Pathya in Prameha possesses Kapha Medohara, Tikta Kashaya Katu Rasa, Laghu Ruksa Guna, Ushna Veerya and Katu Vipaka properties which restores normal physiology of Prameha.